Director-General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) AKM Shahidur Rahman on Thursday apologised for different incidents of torture and murder committed by members of the elite crime-busting force.
He made the apology during a view-exchange meeting with journalists at RAB's media centre at Karwan Bazar in the city.
"We express our sorry and apologise to those who have been tortured and to the families of those who have been murdered, including Narayanganj's seven-murder, by the RAB," said the RAB DG.
He assured that RAB is committed to exonerating any wrongdoings only through a fair and transparent investigation and proper trial process.
Replying to a query, Mr Rahman said, "The issue of Aynaghar (a secret detention centre) in RAB was there and it still remains. The commission [inquiry commission on enforced disappearances] instructed us to keep it as it is and not to make any changes in it. We keep it accordingly."
"The commission is investigating the allegations of enforced disappearances, killings and Aynaghar. We are cooperating with them. We hope that legal steps will be taken after the investigation," the RAB DG said.
Earlier on October 7, at a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters' Association at his office, the DG said he does not know about any secret detention centre called Aynaghar in RAB, adding that the force will extend full support to the newly-formed commission of inquiry on enforced disappearances.
However, on Thursday, the DG acknowledged the gravity of the issues over misconduct by RAB members, emphasising the organisation's firm stance on internal discipline.
He revealed that a significant number of officers and personnel have faced disciplinary actions for breaches of conduct.
Till date, 58 officers and 4,235 members have been charged with disciplinary violations in accordance with RAB's regulations.
The RAB DG further addressed recent high-profile arrests of RAB members, including 16 officers from various battalions, who are currently facing charges related to extortion, kidnap, and robbery.
He assured all that investigations into these cases, particularly the ongoing probe into allegations over missing persons and Aynaghor, are actively progressing. "We are working tirelessly to uncover the truth of the allegations," he added.
As part of efforts to reform and modernise RAB, he also announced forthcoming changes to the force's uniform, aimed at improving its public image and operational efficiency.
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